Harare Review of Books

128 pages.

First published, Sept 15, 2020 Laurence King Publishing)

Graphic novel.

This is a wonderful and tender tribute to one of my favourite artists, Yayoi Kusama. Her complex person and life are depicted beautifully in a graphic art style that pays homage to her inimitable one.

I learnt a great deal from this graphic novel about Kusama’s work in the 1960s, which is a little hidden from view since her “rediscovery” and re-recognition (—a cloth phallus suitcase? Orgies?? A naked hippie flash mob in the park?!). I also learnt a lot about her complicated childhood and relationship with her parents, which helps paint a clearer and fuller picture of the artist. Macellari explains how Kusama struggled in her native country of Japan, and how her move to New York galvanised her art. Kusama’s encounters with other, now-famous artists there are fascinating to read about.

I have profound respect for Kusama, and the author seems to be kin in this, as shown by this lovingly-done graphic novel. The choice of medium and execution for this biography are perfect. A worthy addition to any bookshelf’s artist biography section, and perhaps even to a coffee table.

Thank you to Edelweiss and to Laurence King Publishing for the DRC.

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